Smiles All Round: Promoting Happiness in the Workplace

The United Nations Organisation (UNO) created the International Day of Happiness to reinforce its importance for human beings, for their sustainable development and global socio-economic wellbeing. Since we dedicate a large chunk of our lives to the world of work, it's vital to understand just how this time can positively influence the way we feel.

What Makes Us Happy at Work?

Unfortunately, there’s no magic formula for creating a happy workplace. And it certainly can't be the responsibility of just one person - we can all contribute! 

‘We need to look at the organisation as a whole to analyse its various characteristics, processes, structures, policies and people’, comments Susana Santos, from the Happiness and Engagement team.  

An holistic approach is needed to cultivate a positive and thriving workplace. Beyond all the individual components, it's key to view the organisation as a dynamic entity, constantly evolving. Some important aspects we should consider include:

• Alignment with organisational mission, values and vision: we’re giving more and more importance to how much we identify with the corporate strategy and the way it is communicated. 
• Work environment analysis: consider all physical characteristics such as comfort, cleanliness, accessibility and equipment. But that’s not all: we should also account for the quality of relationships with our peers – people we often spend more time with than our own families!
• Meaningful work and recognition: it's important to feel that work has meaning and impact in one’s life, that our efforts make a difference. It also helps us feel recognised when we succeed in our tasks.

‘Giving continuous feedback to our peers is extremely impactful.’ 

Leaders must be receptive, honest, and show genuine concern for their people. An empathetic style, capable of accepting and sharing vulnerability, can have a very positive influence on how we feel. Opportunities for growth and learning also play a part, as they prevent feelings of stagnation. 

In addition, the feeling of autonomy and flexibility is highly valued, ensuring a better balance between a person’s professional and personal life. Salaries and benefits should be fair, competitive and based on an impartial decision-making process. Leaders must be able to have open, informed and constructive conversations with their teams about how they are rewarded – including their team at every step.

Working for a Happiness & Engagement team means getting to know people as the complex individuals they are. It means seeing the organisation as a living organism, constantly evolving. It means constantly analysing and re-evaluating processes and policies.

It means working with leaders on a project that will never be finalised: investing in people.

‘People drive the success of organisations.’ 

On this International Happiness Day, it's important to remember that happiness in the workplace is not just an individual responsibility, but a collective mission - of the employees themselves, leaders, the Human Resources team, and even a team focused specifically on happiness. Investing in people's happiness and wellbeing is fundamental to the sustainable growth of organisations.

Critical’s Commitment to Employee Happiness 

At Critical Software, we believe that a happy workforce is a powerful weapon for success and innovation. Investing in a workplace culture prioritising the wellbeing and satisfaction of our employees can only lead to one thing: a positive and supportive environment.

From flexible work schedules and remote work options to mental health assistance programmes, we recognise personal and career growth while empowering our teams to be the best versions of themselves. 

Making the world a better and safer place while being happy at what you do: not quite such an impossible dream!

Check our job offers and be part of our team!